Yesterday, HSU members came together for two statewide union meetings. These meetings overwhelmingly endorsed resolutions to take ongoing industrial action until the NSW Government delivers on a fair pay rise for health workers.

The first resolution was that every Tuesday health workers will implement these work bans.

These are serious bans. Because this is serious business. The Government’s proposed pay rise of 4% will not keep up with the cost of living.

A 4% pay rise is no pay rise at all. It is a pay cut.  

The second resolution was to hold ongoing stop work actions at different hospitals across NSW.

Members never take action lightly – but there are no other options. The Government is not listening.

There are a number of other work bans being undertaken which have been endorsed by sub-branches, Allied Health industrial advisory committees, or local delegate committees. To see more details about these bans and to access HSU campaign resources please click here.

This is an important decision of union members. Health workers will not be ignored.

If you have questions about these important actions please contact your local union official or delegate.

One question lots of members have is, what is the difference between a work ban and a strike?

A “work ban” is where union members stop doing a particular part of the job, or change the way they do the work. Members are paid as normal but this may depend on the situation.

An example of a work ban could be refusing to clean some parts of the hospital, or refusing to enter billing codes, while performing all other work as usual.

A “stop work” or “strike” is when union members stop work and refusal to perform all duties. Pay is usually docked for a strike action. An example of a “stop work” or “strike” is when members cease work to attend a Union rally.

No matter what your actions your workplace is getting involved with, don’t forget to talk to your colleagues about the importance of getting involved.